Many of us may not have given enough thought about what is Ekadasi. We know it is the 11th day after new moon and Full moon and so it occurs almost twice a month. We know many fast on this day.
This article may perhaps give certain additional information which may or may not be known to you.
Ekadasi has another name also. Madhav thithi. It is the day which pleases Lord Krishna and his devotees. There is no restriction as to who should be fasting on this day. To think of Krishna alone is necessary when everything becomes auspicious.
Fasting greatly controls our minds and the senses which is the prerequisite for pure devotion. Many who cannot fast on this day, have another good alternative, which is simply chanting Krishna's name the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra.
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA HARE RAMA HARE HARE, HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA HARE HARE'' This anyone can easily chant as many times as possible to gain peace of mind and happiness.You will observe 16 words are there in the above manthra.
Fasting reduces body fat. There is more time for utilisation in spiritual activities . So there is both internal and external purity to be gained. It accelerates the faith and love for Krishna.
You will be interested to note that Brahma-vaivarta Purana says, Ekadasi fasting frees us from the sins committed. Padma Purana also endorses this view, that all our sins are absolved and enables us attain the supreme goal, Moksha, Many observe fasting without even sipping water performing Nirjala Ekadasi fasting.
Those due to many reasons cannot fast on Ekadasi days, of course are free to consume food three times like any other day. The next option is that you can also take other non-grain foods like vegetables (except onion and garlic), roots, nuts, etc., only once during the fast. Can take a little fruit and milk.
Eladasi vratham is observed from sunrise of the Ekadashi day to sunrise of Dhwadasi,the next day.12th day.
